When it comes to dental and oral problems, the list of possible ailments that all dentists have to deal with is longer than this page, but as you probably know, some issues are more common than others. That list includes cavities, gum disease, tartar, gingivitis, and abscesses, which we are going to discuss here.
As you may hear from some dentists, tooth abscesses are a condition that can be extremely painful. They are bacterial infections that can create pus, which can build up within teeth, gums, and the jawbone. One of the more concerning traits of these dental abscesses is that the infection can spread to other parts of the body, which, in the worst cases, can require treatment from a doctor rather than a dentist.
Thankfully, those instances are rare, and the abscess will be restricted to the mouth. Not that this is a particularly pleasant experience, but one which has fewer repercussions than infection spreading to the rest of your body.
So, now that we have defined what a dental abscess is, let us look at the symptoms you might experience, what causes them, and most importantly, how you can prevent them.
Symptoms Of Dental Abscesses
Often, people will know they have a dental issue, but often are unsure what the problem is. As for abscesses, here are some of the more common symptoms you may experience.
- Ever-increasing pain on the tooth or gum area which is affected. This pain may produce a burning sensation
- Intense pain across your jaw which may extend to your ear and neck on the side where the abscess has occurred
- Your face can become red and swollen
- Teeth can become loose
- Teeth can become discoloured
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
In cases where the infection spreads beyond the mouth, the symptoms can become more severe such as:
- Developing a fever
- Inability to open mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Causes Of Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses can occur due to one issue or from a combination of issues. Some of the most common causes include:
- Poor Dental Care And Oral Hygiene: Anyone who does not care for their teeth and gums properly, nor has regular dental check-ups is a prime candidate for dental abscesses. The build-up of plaque is a primary cause of dental abscesses.
- Excessive Amounts of Sugary Food And Drinks: The bacteria which cause plaque and cavities thrive on sugar so the more you intake the more chance there is of them creating abscesses too.
- Oral Injury: if you have suffered an injury within your mouth that creates a cut or sore, the bacteria that may form on that wound could be the cause of an abscess forming in your mouth.
- Diminished Immunity: Those who have an inherent weak immune system or whose immunity is lowered due to another medical condition may be more subject to abscesses as their body is less able to resist the bacteria which cause them.
Preventing Dental Abscesses
Given what we have already outlined, you should be able to make a pretty accurate assessment of how to prevent abscesses, but just in case…
- Daily brushing and flossing of teeth
- Reduction in sugary drinks and food
- A regular dental check-up by your dentist
That is it. Follow the basic rules of proper oral care and hygiene and you give yourself the best possible chance of remaining free of dental abscesses.
